Easy One Pan Ground Beef Skillet

Lina López's avatarByLina López Hours
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Some days, cooking dinner feels impossible after a long day, but that’s where this one pan ground beef skillet comes to the rescue. I love making this when I need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s also perfect for meal prep since it reheats well for lunch the next day.

You can enjoy it with cauliflower rice or roasted sweet potatoes for a lighter option. If you’re feeling lazy (like me sometimes!) just grab a bag of tortilla chips and dig in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Great for meal prepping lunch or dinner.
  • Versatile: Serve with quinoa, rice, sweet potatoes, or tortilla chips.
  • Crowd-pleasing flavors: Cheesy, savory, and a little zesty from the salsa verde.

How to Make This Easy One Pan Ground Beef Skillet

Please see recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe details.

  1. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion until golden brown. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (about 5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add the veggies & flavor: Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and black beans. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Season it up: Add taco seasoning and tomato paste, stirring well to coat the beef and veggies.
  4. Mix in the extras: Add black beans, corn, and salsa verde. Stir everything together and let simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
  5. Make it cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover the skillet, and cook for 1–2 minutes until melted.
  6. Garnish & serve: Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot with cauliflower rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or tortilla chips.

Recipe FAQs

Yes! This skillet is meal-prep friendly. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water if it looks dry.

You can swap it with regular red salsa, green enchilada sauce, or even diced fire-roasted tomatoes for a different flavor.

Yes! Skip the beef and double the beans or add cooked lentils. You’ll still get a hearty, flavorful dish.

Recipe Variations

  • Veggie boost: Add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms along with the bell pepper for extra nutrients.
  • Protein swap: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef.
  • Low-carb version: Skip the beans and corn, and bulk it up with cauliflower rice or sautéed veggies.
Savory dish with beans and toppings

One Pan Ground Beef Skillet

This One Pan Ground Beef Skillet is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, meal-prep friendly, and delicious with cauliflower rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or tortilla chips.
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Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Course: Dinner
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef 90% lean, 10% fat
  • 1 pack taco seasoning I used the one from Trader Joe's
  • 1 red bell peper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small shallot onion works too
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 7 oz salsa verde I used the one from Trader Joe's
  • 1/3 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and shallots until golden brown, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned (about 5–6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add the veggies & flavor: Stir in the chopped red bell pepper and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Season it up: Add taco seasoning and tomato paste, stirring well to coat the beef and veggies.
  4. Mix in the extras: Add black beans, corn, and salsa verde. Stir everything together and let simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.
  5. Make it cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover the skillet, and cook for 1–2 minutes until melted.
  6. Garnish & serve: Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot with cauliflower rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or tortilla chips.

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    My family loves this recipe! Thanks.

    Reply